Wednesday May 25th, 2011

Posted at 1:15pm

On Sunday, May 29th, thousands of people from more than 50 communities across Canada will be trying to find a cure for Cystic Fibrosis (CF) in the Great Strides™ walks, organised by Cystic Fibrosis Canada.

“Our sights are squarely set on a cure,” said Maureen Adamson, Chief Executive Officer of Cystic Fibrosis Canada. “We invite Canadians to join us at our Great Strides™ walk to take steps to cure cystic fibrosis. Funds raised will support vital cystic fibrosis research and care. The campaign has raised nearly $10 million since it began. This year, our organization hopes to exceed its goal of $2.95 million! Please join our winning team. We can turn the corner on this life-altering disease.”

This year’s local Great Strides™ Walk will be held at the LaSalle Vollmer Recreation and Culture Complex. Registration starts at 10:00 am, and the 5 kilometre walk begins at 11:00. In addition to the walk, there will be face painting, balloon animals, music and a barbecue lunch for all participants.

Teams of 6 to 20 participants have been raising money over the past year to donate to the cause. Several teams have found creative activities such as raffles and yard sales to help boost their fundraising abilities.

About cystic fibrosis and Cystic Fibrosis Canada

Cystic fibrosis is a multi-system disease that affects mainly the lungs and the digestive system. In the lungs, where the effects are most devastating, a build-up of thick mucus causes severe respiratory problems. Mucus and protein also build up in the digestive tract, making it difficult to digest and absorb nutrients from food. Thick mucus builds up and blocks the ducts of the pancreas, preventing enzymes, which help to digest food, from reaching the intestines. As improved therapies have helped to address the malnutrition issues, ultimately most cystic fibrosis-related deaths are due to lung disease.

Cystic Fibrosis Canada is a national health charity committed to finding a cure for cystic fibrosis, and to helping people and families affected by cystic fibrosis cope with their daily fight. As a global leader in CF research, the organization invests more dollars in life-saving cystic fibrosis research and care than any other non-government agency in Canada. In 2011, Cystic Fibrosis Canada is investing nearly $6.5 million to fund 56 promising research projects, as well as more than 50 fellows and students, and is delivering more than $2 million to fund clinical care programs in Canada.